Also, look after your dining room table's finish using a cheap table pad when the table isn't in use. When eating a meal or entertaining guests, employ a tablecloth or placemats to give protection to the finish of a wood table, particularly when serving hot food.

Place hot serving dishes on top of a hot pad and candle holders over a big felt protector with a plastic top, since plastic forestalls wax from running. Use coasters underneath all glasses and mugs to guard your occasional table, dining room table and wood dressers from unpleasant rings and water spots. Beware, because not all coasters are made equal. Metal coasters can sweat onto the wood, and plastic coasters can react with certain finishes on some wood furniture pieces. So consider selecting wooden coasters with felt backing and a water-proof material on top to further make sure the longevity of your wood table tops. The best coasters are those that taper up on the sides, forestalling leakage. Correct Care and Cleaning Polishing wood furniture each week goes a good distance toward shielding the finish from damage and helping your wood tables, chairs and dressers look their best. Beware, though , of inexpensive polishes, or any polish that contains silicone or alcohol.